July 25, 2013

Review & Giveaway: The Valley of Amazement by Amy Tan


Title: The Valley of Amazement
Author: Amy Tan

Paperback, 589 pages

Expected Publication: November 2013 by HarperCollins


Moving between the glittering world of courtesans in turn-of-the-century Shanghai, a remote Chinese mountain village, and the rough-hewn streets of nineteenth-century San Franciso, New York Times bestselling author Amy Tan’s long-awaited epic novel maps the lives of women connected by blood and history - and the mystery of a painting known as The Valley of Amazement.




REVIEW:

Long-awaited indeed!! I can not begin to describe how excited I was to hear Amy Tan had a new novel and that I would get my hands on it 4 months early. = D (Thanks to my bestie for practically stalking the publishers at BEA for a copy).

I am an avid fan of Tan and have a copy of every book she’s written, all on it’s own special shelf. She has a masterful way of weaving generations of women together effortlessly, focusing primarily on the relationships of mother and daughter. I read her previous book (Saving Fish From Drowning) and while I enjoyed it... it strayed from her usual style and I found myself setting it aside a few times. With The Valley of Amazement, I feel like she went back to her roots (reminiscent of The Joy Luck Club) and it was WELL worth the wait.

A couple of months ago I read her short story Rules for Virgins and was sad it was over so quickly. I was so curious about what happened to this young virgin courtesan and whether or not her fate changed. Imagine my GREAT surprise when I noticed this short story was a chapter within this book and about the main character herself.

Tan is always able to beautifully demonstrate the love a mother and daughter share through separation, hardships and heartbreaking tragedies. She embraces the typical roles expected of each: Mothers are wise, old fashioned and simple minded and daughters naive, forward thinking and daring. But you learn so much more about these characters who break through this simple veil they’re given and prove to be so much more. There was so many points in the book that broke my heart... I was amazed by the strength of these women and what they can endure while still remaining hopeful for a better future.

This was the kind of book I couldn’t put down but was scared of finishing - I was caught up in nineteenth century China and all it’s beauty... mesmerized by Tan’s beautiful Valley of Amazement. I loved it so much that I want to share a copy with you guys!! Simply enter the raffle below by midnight Wednesday, July 31st! Trust me, you want this book!

a Rafflecopter giveaway






15 comments:

  1. I haven't read her books, but I'm very much wanting to read a story set in 19th century china, it sounds fascinating!

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  2. Sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing :)

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  3. I LOVE Amy Tan! Can't wait to read this!

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  4. I LOVE Amy Tan and can't wait to read this book. I've read everything she's written and because of her I've read a lot of books by other Chinese and Chinese/American authors! Would love to get this book.

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  5. Actually this entry is for my wife who loves Amy Tan's books. Thanks for hosting, I know she'd love it.

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  6. I have read some of her books and especially enjoyed The Joy Luck Club. I'd love to read this one.

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  7. Yep, I've read "The Joy Luck Club," "The Bonesetter's Daughter," "The Kitchen God's Wife," and "The Hundred Secret Senses," so the upcoming release (4 months! gah!) is definitely on my TBR list. Your review further confirms that is should be there. Having enjoyed Ms. Tan's past work, I look forward to her newest title. Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

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  8. i havent but the book looks good and im always looking for new authors to read

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  9. I havent read her books yet but I would love to. Thanks for the giveaway.

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  10. I enjoyed your review. I have never read an Amy Tan book. But this one sounds really good. I don't know much about China so this would be very interesting to me. Thanks for having this giveaway.

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  11. i have yet to read any of Amy's books, tho i have seen The Joy Luck Club.....
    thank you for the giveaway!!

    Cyn209

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  12. Haven't read her books; it sounds interesting

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  13. I haven't read Amy Tan before, but I did love the movie The Joy Luck Club and loved it! I have it marked on my nook wishlist, since never is a movie better than the book! Then I read something awhile back about The Joy Luck Club being an all time favorite book club pick...that speaks volumes of her writing, imo. I was excited when I saw she had a new book out! This way I could read her without seeing the movie in my head. I have to say your review (highly praising Tan's work) makes me even more excited to get my hands on a copy of her book! So glad you got your copy! yay for stalker friend ;) lol.

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  14. I love Amy Tan and have read almost all of her books. She does a wonderful job with family relationships

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  15. I love amy tan and have read almost all her books. She does do wonderful mother daughter relationships

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